Tap water in Japan
Generally safe to drink
The WHO and UNICEF put safely managed drinking water within reach of 99% of people in Japan. National figures describe a country, not the tap in front of you.
What the sources say
99% of the population has safely managed drinking water, meaning it is free from contamination at the point of use.
Advises travellers that tap water is generally safe to drink in Japan.
70.4/100 on the water drinkability and accessibility index, which Numbeo reads as “High”. This one is crowdsourced from residents rather than measured.
Tap water is fine to drink in Japan; in some rural areas, locals swear by its health benefits.
Safe nationally still means ask locally. Older buildings can carry lead or copper pipework, and a single street can differ from the network feeding it. If you are staying somewhere old, ask your host.
What bottled water costs you here
Drinking tap water instead of bottled would save one adult about 832$ a year in Japan, and keep several hundred plastic bottles out of circulation.
Work out your own savingPlaces in Japan
Water quality is local. These places have their own readings.
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